Dust Masks, Fit Testing and Respirators
(15/03/2019)

Essentials that you NEED to know!

Have things changed?
YES. From July 2018, workers in Queensland who should normally wear face masks must be fit tested for ‘good’ fit and a record kept
of their results.
PLUS Work Safe has dramatically increased its field calls to ensure compliance.

Is this only for the stone industry? What about less dangerous industries?
It is for ALL INDUSTRIES where masks are needed.
Below is the official policy;
‘Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors will take enforcement action if a person conducting a business or undertaking
has provided tight-fitting respirators to workers without undertaking fit-testing or where facial hair is likely to prevent the seal of the
respirator to the face.’

What if workers won’t wear masks?
Recent death from silicosis in the stone industry highlights the need to wear appropriate masks!
The responsibility is two fold - both workers and employers can be subject to enforcement action.
Refusal to wear PPE is a legitimate reason for workplace disciplinary action.
Below is the official word;
‘Queensland work health and safety laws require workers to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, comply with any
reasonable instruction, and cooperate with any reasonable policy or procedure of the employer relating to health or safety. It may
appear a small matter, but work safety should always be taken seriously.’

What do I need to do?
There are 3 priorities...
First - Check if masks are needed - are you grinding, cutting, using solvents and other
chemicals, spraying, removing or handling dangerous materials, operating in a dusty
environment? We can suggest the right specifications for you!
Make sure that you or your staff are wearing the appropriate respirators.
Please note that some common cheaper disposable masks fail ‘fit-tests’.

Second - Buy a fit test kit yourself and get some training or employ an external consultant.
Keep the appropriate records.
Buying a Qualitative Fit Test kit is usually the easiest and cheapest option.

Third - There is a particular Worksafe focus on people who wear masks being clean shaven.
Why? Stubble or beards prevent a good seal between the skin and the respirator. Worksafe is
very focused on this one - many customers have been forced to take remedial action!
There are solutions though. We can help there too!

Are Worksafe active?
YES. Many ABL customers have received field audits in many different industries.